{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Castelar Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":29.8,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":8610137,"projectId":9609651,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support—this project has had a big and immediate impact on my students. When they first saw the new pillows added to our literacy corner, their faces lit up with excitement. They smiled, eagerly chose a pillow, and couldn't wait to settle in with a book. The space instantly felt warmer, calmer, and more inviting, and the students clearly felt that change.\r\nWe now use the pillows daily during independent reading time. Students choose a comfortable spot, often reading quietly on their own or sitting peacefully next to a friend. I've noticed that they stay engaged longer, show more curiosity about books, and approach reading with a positive attitude. One special moment was watching a group of students naturally spread out in the corner, completely focused and relaxed, fully immersed in their stories.\r\nNext, we are building reading stamina and encouraging students to explore new genres and authors. With this cozy and welcoming space, students are developing stronger reading habits and a deeper love for books. 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The lamps and lights have helped create a relaxed atmosphere. \r\n\r\nWhen my students first walked into the classroom and saw the new rugs, chairs, and lighting, their faces lit up with excitement. They wish they could spend all day in here now.\r\n\r\nBecause of your support, students are now more engaged and confident in our lessons. Thank you for your contribrutions.","fullyFundedDate":1765202531210,"projectUrl":"project/bringing-color-and-comfort-to-our-learni/9873732/","projectTitle":"Bringing Color and Comfort to Our Learning Space","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Valadez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9084628_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y772&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1740685816747","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9084628"},{"teacherId":9084628,"projectId":9134572,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation to our 4th-grade science unit, \"Invitation to Invent.\" Your support is bringing innovation and excitement into our classroom as students build their Rube Goldberg inspired inventions. The materials allow them to move beyond drawings and ideas to real prototypes. Watching them test, problem-solve, and improve their designs has been so much fun.\r\n\r\nThank you for investing in their curiosity and creativity. You've truly made a difference in our classroom and in how my students see the world of science and innovation.","fullyFundedDate":1743110308430,"projectUrl":"project/rube-goldberg-inventions/9134572/","projectTitle":"Rube Goldberg Inventions!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Valadez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9084628_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y772&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1740685816747","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9084628"},{"teacherId":8610137,"projectId":9001881,"letterContent":"It was a nice surprise to get this donation. We were able to wrap up the school year with these wonderful tools to play. We had quite a few rainy days, so we had indoor recess. My students went crazy using the magnets to make buildings, airplanes, roads, cages, etc. Their imaginations just took them to unimaginable places. They combined the magnets with small cars, my girls even made houses and beds for their dolls. Students added these magnets to the ones we already had and were able to build tall towers. This required teamwork. What a great experience to see them happily putting the magnets together, cooperating with one another. \r\n\r\nYour gift is very valuable. I appreciate you taking the time to consider my request. \r\n\r\nThank you so much.","fullyFundedDate":1744302764465,"projectUrl":"project/magical-tools/9001881/","projectTitle":"Magical Tools","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Diaz","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8610137_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y30&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1692070276625","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8610137"},{"teacherId":8610137,"projectId":9002224,"letterContent":"What wonderful tools you have provided for my writing block. My students are more eager to write with fun, creative pencils. It is beautiful to see them talk about their fun tools and then get to work. 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Join the 208 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
Castelar Elementary School is
an urban public school
in Omaha, Nebraska that is part of Omaha Public Schools.
It serves 574 students
in grades Pre-K - 5 with a student/teacher ratio of 12.5:1.
Its teachers have had 116 projects funded on DonorsChoose.
Boost support for this school! Share this page with friends, family, alumni, and fellow supporters. Every connection helps teachers get the supplies they need and shows how much your community cares about its students.
DonorsChoose is the most trusted classroom funding site for public school teachers.
Every donation funds real needs — pencils, books, lab equipment, art supplies, and more — helping students learn and thrive. We ship supplies directly to the school, and you'll see exactly where each dollar goes.
of students receive free or reduced price lunch
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
Source: the National Center for Education Statistics
93%
of students are Black, Latino, Native
American, or Asian
Data about school demographics comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. The numbers in this chart may not add up to 100% because of limitations in the available data.
Castelar Elementary School Support on DonorsChoose
Last updated Feb 11, 2026
DonorsChoose makes it easy for anyone to help a teacher in need, moving us closer to a nation where students
in every community have the tools and experiences they need for a great education.
Castelar Elementary School
$56,285
raised using DonorsChoose
116
projects
funded
29
teachers
funded
208
donors
10
projects
for
basic supplies
12
projects for
technology
24
projects for
books
6
projects
for
art supplies
Castelar Elementary School has received support from
146 individuals from Nebraska and
62 individuals out-of-state.
